Unfortunately, one man, Senate Leader John Flanagan, stands in the way of a bill that commits the state to reaching 100% renewable energy production by 2050, with built-in labor standards for clean energy projects and directed investment in historically disadvantaged communities.

In calling for an immediate vote on the Climate and Community Protection Act (S.7971A), NY Renews, a coalition of over 140 labor, community, environmental, and environmental justice organizations across the state, released the following statement:

“With one week until session is scheduled to end, Senate Leader Flanagan has a choice to make. He can choose to stand with faith and municipal leaders, labor and community groups, and environmental justice advocates across the state. He can honor the will of the people AND a bipartisan majority of his colleagues by allowing the Climate and Community Protection Act to come to the Senate floor for a vote.

Or Senator Flanagan can again give into dysfunction and continue to do nothing.

We can’t wait any longer. With more than $33 billion in public health costs and at least 4,000 deaths annually in New York State associated with the burning of fossil fuels, the time to move to renewable energy is now. We must take this opportunity to create thousands of new jobs and protect the health of our communities by passing this legislation.

We call on Senator Flanagan to schedule a vote on the Climate and Community Protection Act before the end of session.”